Wizards vs. Celtics: Brown’s 35-Point Burst Lifts Boston to Commanding Win

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The Boston Celtics snapped a two-game skid in dominant fashion, storming past the Washington Wizards 136–107 at TD Garden on Wednesday night. After a rocky first quarter, the Celtics found their rhythm behind Jaylen Brown’s explosive performance and a well-rounded team effort that overwhelmed a struggling Washington side.

A Rough Start, Then a Boston Avalanche

The Wizards looked ready to surprise early on, racing to a 37–26 lead after the first quarter. Rookie standout Alex Sarr powered Washington’s offense with 31 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, helping his team maintain control through the opening 12 minutes.

But any momentum the Wizards had quickly vanished in the second quarter. The Celtics ignited a 23–4 run that flipped the game completely, outscoring Washington 44–23 in the period to take a 70–60 lead at halftime. Payton Pritchard, who poured in 16 of his 18 points during that stretch, was instrumental in Boston’s turnaround.

Brown Dominates and Rests Early

Jaylen Brown was unstoppable. In just 26 minutes, he racked up 35 points on 13-of-21 shooting while adding five rebounds and five assists. After a frustrating showing in the previous game against Utah, Brown looked rejuvenated — attacking the basket with confidence and setting the tone for the Celtics’ offense.

By the time he checked out late in the third quarter with Boston leading by 19, the game was effectively sealed. Brown’s efficiency and aggression provided exactly the spark the Celtics needed to avoid a third straight home loss.

Team Contributions and Defensive Edge

Boston’s depth also shined. Josh Minott delivered a career-high 21 points, while Neemias Queta turned in a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Anfernee Simons added 18, rounding out a balanced offensive attack.

The Celtics’ defense made the difference — forcing 19 Washington turnovers and converting them into a staggering 30–3 advantage in points off giveaways. The hosts also rediscovered their shooting touch, sinking 16 of 41 three-pointers (39%), a welcome bounce-back from their struggles earlier in the week.

Washington’s Struggles Continue

For Washington, the loss marked its sixth straight and extended its losing streak against Boston to nine games dating back to March 2023. Beyond Sarr’s impressive stat line, only Justin Champagnie (12), Marvin Bagley III (11), and Malaki Branham (10) reached double figures.

The Wizards again showed flashes of offensive potential but couldn’t sustain it, giving up at least 119 points for the seventh time in eight games. They were also without veteran Khris Middleton, who sat out due to right knee soreness.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, Boston improved to 4–5 on the season and will now head to Orlando for a two-game set over the weekend. The Wizards, meanwhile, will travel to Cleveland in search of a long-awaited bounce-back win.

Conclusion: A Statement of Renewal

After two frustrating losses, the Celtics reminded everyone of what makes them dangerous — relentless ball movement, depth, and a star in Jaylen Brown capable of taking over games. Wednesday’s win wasn’t just about ending a slump; it was about regaining identity and momentum. If Boston can bottle this energy for the upcoming road trip, their early-season stumbles might soon be forgotten.

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